Browned Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust

When it comes to desserts that capture the essence of fall, few things can compete with a classic apple pie. But if you’re looking to elevate this timeless dessert to a whole new level of flavor and sophistication, you’re in for a treat with this Browned Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust. Combining the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter with the crisp sweetness of apples and a savory cheddar-infused crust, this pie offers a surprising yet incredibly delicious twist on a traditional favorite.

The combination of sweet and savory in this pie is nothing short of magical. The cheddar crust brings a slightly sharp, buttery richness that complements the sweet apples and caramel-like browned butter filling. You might think cheddar and apples sound like an odd pairing in a dessert, but they actually play off each other beautifully, creating a pie that’s both indulgent and refined. In fact, cheddar cheese and apples have been a classic pairing in many parts of the world for centuries.

Whether you’re serving this pie at a Thanksgiving gathering, a fall dinner party, or simply as a weekend baking project, it’s guaranteed to impress. Not only does it taste amazing, but the cheddar crust adds a golden, flaky texture that contrasts perfectly with the tender apples inside. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ready to bake something extraordinary? Let’s dive into the recipe for Browned Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Combination: The sharp cheddar crust pairs beautifully with the sweet, spiced apple filling, offering a unique twist on a classic dessert.
2. Richness from Browned Butter: The nutty flavor of browned butter adds depth and richness to the apple filling, taking the pie to a whole new level.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions: This pie is ideal for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any time you want to impress guests with a memorable dessert.
4. Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet flavor, this pie is made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and even the filling ahead of time, making it a great option for busy holiday prep.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time for the dough)
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for chilling dough)
• Yield: 8 servings
• Serving Size: One slice (1/8 of the pie)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 490 kcal
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 27g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g

(Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Cheddar Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Browned Butter Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembling the Pie:

• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
• Extra grated cheddar, for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheddar Pie Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. This creates a well-balanced base for your pie crust, ensuring it’s savory but with just a hint of sweetness to complement the apples.

2. Cut in the Butter:

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. There should still be some pea-sized chunks of butter—this will help create a flaky crust.

3. Incorporate the Cheddar:

Add the grated cheddar cheese to the flour mixture and stir until evenly distributed. The cheddar adds a subtle sharpness and richness to the crust, which pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.

4. Add Ice Water:

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water—stop adding as soon as the dough starts to form a ball.

5. Form the Dough:

Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to rest and firm up.

Step 2: Make the Browned Butter Apple Filling

1. Brown the Butter:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and starts to smell nutty—about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn. Once browned, remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Apples:

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and enhances their flavor, while the spices add warmth and depth.

3. Thicken the Filling:

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and toss to coat evenly. Cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, preventing it from becoming too runny.

4. Add the Browned Butter and Vanilla:

Pour the browned butter and vanilla extract over the apple mixture and stir to combine. The browned butter gives the filling a rich, nutty flavor that complements the apples and spices beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough:

Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your 9-inch pie dish (about 12 inches in diameter). Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.

2. Add the Apple Filling:

Pour the prepared apple filling into the pie crust, making sure to spread it out evenly. The filling should mound slightly in the center of the pie.

3. Roll Out the Top Crust:

Roll out the second disc of dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. You can either place the dough over the entire pie or cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern. If you’re using a solid top crust, be sure to cut a few slits for ventilation.

4. Seal and Crimp the Edges:

Trim any excess dough from the edges and press the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.

5. Egg Wash and Sugar Topping:

Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden, shiny finish as it bakes. If desired, sprinkle sugar on top for a touch of sweetness and added texture. For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle a little more grated cheddar over the crust.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.

3. Cool the Pie:

Once the pie is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This gives the filling time to set and makes slicing much easier.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Browned Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent experience, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the warm, spiced apples and flaky cheddar crust perfectly.

How to Serve

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast of warm pie and cold ice cream is a classic pairing that never fails to impress. The creaminess of the ice cream melts into the warm pie, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is a great option. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive touch.
• A Side of Cheddar: For those who love the savory-sweet combo, serve a slice of extra sharp cheddar cheese alongside the pie. It enhances the flavor of the cheddar crust and adds another layer of richness to the dish.
• Drizzle of Caramel: For a decadent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of each slice. The rich, buttery caramel enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and the browned butter.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Keep the Dough Cold: One of the keys to a flaky pie crust is keeping the dough cold. If at any point the dough becomes too warm, pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up before continuing.
2. Use a Mix of Apples: Combining tart apples (like Granny Smith) with sweeter varieties (like Honeycrisp) creates a more complex, balanced filling.
3. Brown the Butter Carefully: When browning butter, keep a close eye on it, as it can go from browned to burnt very quickly. As soon as it turns golden and smells nutty, remove it from the heat.
4. Let the Pie Cool Completely: Allowing the pie to cool completely helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices. If you slice into it too soon, the filling may be too runny.
5. Adjust the Sweetness: If your apples are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling slightly. Likewise, if your apples are particularly tart, feel free to add a little extra sugar to balance the flavors.

Recipe Variations

1. Salted Caramel Apple Cheddar Pie:

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust. The combination of salted caramel, sharp cheddar, and sweet apples is a flavor explosion.

2. Apple and Pear Pie with Cheddar Crust:

For a slight twist on the classic apple pie, try adding sliced pears to the filling. The pears add a soft, juicy texture that complements the apples beautifully.

3. Gluten-Free Cheddar Crust:

Make the crust gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to ensure the dough holds together.

4. Spiced Cheddar Crust:

Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or smoked paprika to the cheddar crust for an extra layer of flavor. The spices will enhance the richness of the cheddar and pair wonderfully with the apples.

5. Bourbon-Infused Apple Filling:

For a boozy twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the apple filling. The bourbon brings out the caramel notes in the browned butter and adds depth to the apple flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.

Freezing the Pie:

This pie freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert. To freeze the whole pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Reheating Tips:

For the best results, reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the crust crispy and the filling warm without making the pie soggy.

Special Equipment

• 9-inch pie dish: A standard pie dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Pastry cutter or food processor: To cut the butter into the flour and create a flaky crust.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out the cheddar crust.
• Pie shield or foil: To protect the crust edges from over-browning during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-made pie crust?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time. However, making the cheddar crust from scratch really elevates the flavor and is worth the effort.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you could experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a different twist.

3. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Make sure to bake the pie until the filling is bubbling, which ensures that the bottom crust has had time to cook through. You can also blind-bake the bottom crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling for an extra layer of protection against sogginess.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the entire pie a day ahead and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you prefer, you can also make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

5. What’s the best apple variety to use?

Granny Smith apples are a great choice because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the filling. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of apple varieties will also work beautifully.

Conclusion

This Browned Butter Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and spiced. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter paired with tender, spiced apples creates a filling that is both comforting and indulgent, while the sharp cheddar crust adds a savory twist that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Whether you’re baking this pie for a holiday gathering or simply because you’re craving something special, it’s sure to impress. The combination of flavors, textures, and aromas will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds. So grab your apples, cheddar, and butter, and get ready to bake a pie that’s truly unforgettable!

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